The Locke Band Department Handbook Ken Van - Director Josephine Locke Elementary School

The Locke Band Handbook Mission Statement The Locke School Band Program is a school instrumental program designed to afford our students the opportunity to experience themselves through music performance. In discovering and developing their talents, they discover the artistic and creative gifts within them, improving their self image, their view of the world and their future in it. In discovering their musical talent, a child can discover the voice within them and the mode for that voice to be expressed in a constructive and creative manner. While involved in a variety of performance opportunities and experiences, members are exposed to standard band repertoire in various styles. They are instructed in and perform music designed to develop their skills on their chosen instrument. Within the context of lessons and performance, students learn the proper techniques required to perform well on their instrument whether in a solo or an ensemble setting. Notes

Rehearsals The Locke Beginner Band rehearses every Wednesday that school is in session from 2:45 to 4:00 P.M. Students must be on prompt in order that we may set up, distribute materials and begin rehearsing on time. Symphonic Band meets the from 2:45 to 4:45 pm. on Thursdays. Semi- private lessons (once per week) will be given Monday thru Friday after school. Schedules will be provided. Please check your schedule and mark your calendars. Members must attend all lessons and rehearsals. Students absent from rehearsal due to illness, prior notice with permission or family obligation will be excused. Attendance otherwise will be recorded in the attendance book by the Band secretary and done so based on a point system. Ten (10) points being the maximum number possible, points will be deducted from the total due to tardy arrival. No points will be awarded for unexcused absence. Students need to bring their instrument, music and a pencil for each rehearsal. Students are expected to practice their instrument at least 20 to 30 minutes minimum daily. This is VITAL to the advancement of their skills and ability to perform. Notes

Performances The Locke Bands will perform two formal concerts per year, namely our annual December Holiday and Spring Concerts. The Symphonic Band will also perform in the Chicago Music Festival/Contest as we seek a variety of experiences making this elementary band program a truly unique opportunity for the students. Some performances are held during school hours, others are held during non-school hours. Permission slips with a letter of explanation will be sent home prior to each performance. Based on accumulated points for rehearsal attendance and practice record, students with the minimum number of points will be eligible to participate in performances. Those students who have not accumulated the required minimum will be ineligible to participate. All students are responsible for being prepared for Band rehearsals and performances. The greatest part of being prepared for rehearsals and performances involves practicing on a regular basis (6 days a week minimum) at home and attending rehearsals. The remaining part involves materials and being dressed properly in uniform (next page). Dear Parents, We welcome you to The Locke Band Program and wish you a great year! Hope to see you regularly throughout the year and don’t hesitate to stop in for a visit, ask questions or just listen and ENJOY! Best wishes, Mr. Van

Symphonic Band Uniforms Boys: White button dress shirt with collar and tie, black dress pants, black socks, black dress shoes. Girls: White button dress blouse, black dress pants, skin tone nylons, black dress shoes. NO T-SHIRTS, GYM SHOES OR JEANS. NO JEWELRY. Please make sure uniforms are clean and pressed. Materials Each member is responsible for the care and maintenance of their instrument and the materials given to them. Instruments should be cleaned as instructed at least once a week. Instruments may be placed carefully in the music office area designated for them. However no instruments should be left there after school is dismissed. They should be taken home and PRACTICED!!!! All school owned instruments must be returned following the spring concert unless written permission has been given by Mr. Van. All rented instruments are kept year-round unless student is not participating any longer. The return of rented instruments to Mr. Van is the responsibility of the parent as well as the student. Fund-raisers Throughout the year in the music program we come across budget limitations that alone can prevent us from providing our children with opportunities for learning. With the time-tested process of fundraising, we can jump those hurdles and give our children more opportunities and enriching experiences. The Locke Bands will be conducting fund-raisers to cover the cost of trips, music, etc. throughout the year. Fundraising will be discussed at the parent meeting. Any assistance you can offer from direct involvement with the process to helping your child in his/her fundraising efforts will be greatly appreciated.

Decorum The members of The Locke Bands want to build a reputation of being part of a highly regarded, well-respected and talented music program. The present members have been given the privilege to perform as they represent not only The Locke Band but the entire school here at Locke. It is important that each student carries themselves and regards others in a manner evident of this privilege. Behavior in and out of rehearsals and performances should speak to the awareness of this privilege. Inappropriate behavior will effect a student’s eligibility for participation in performances. Participation in the Band is not considered an excuse for not completing school work except in the event a substantial homework assignment(s) is given the day of a performance and the student has no time to complete the work. In such instances the homework teacher and Mr. Van must be notified by the student. If a student needs academic assistance, please notify Mr. Van. The Locke Fine Arts Banquet The annual Locke Fine Arts Banquet is held each year in June following the Spring Concert. The Band members and their families members are invited to dine together followed by an awards ceremony with performances by alumni members. A truly magical night for all of us! All students receive awards for participation and selected students receive special awards. Booster Club Parent Volunteers We are always looking for parent volunteers for the trips, events and fundraisers throughout the year. If you would like to help please sign up at the parent meeting or call the school and leave a message for Mr. Van that you are interested in volunteering to be a chaperone or assist at events such as the banquet and fund-raise. Also, please touch base with our Band Booster Club President, Mary Gonzales who will get you plugged in Thank you for generously donating your time for the sake of our children and the Fine Arts Music Program here at Locke